Nothing like waking up on the mountain when the snow is fresh and the skies are clearing. Why not spring for a room for the night, or a cabin for the week? Mount Hood's lodging options are abundant. It all depends on what you want, what you need, where you want to be and how much you are willing to pay.

On the Mountain

If you want to sleep at 7,000 feet on Mount Hood without risking hypothermia, your best option is Silcox Hut. This rustic slopeside cabin is available for groups of 12 or more (16 on peak weekends). Timberline Lodge offers package deals that include dinner, breakfast and snowcat transportation if you need it.

Timberline Lodge is a classic ski lodge built as a public works project during the Great Depression on the south side of Mount Hood. Stunning views, classy decor, fine dining and a short walk to the slopes of Timberline. A variety of room styles, including chalet rooms that sleep up to 10.

Timberline Lodge, a classic ski lodge built during the Great Depression, offers sweet views and excellent ambience.

Cascade Ski Club is probably the best lodging deal on the mountain, if you don't mind bunk-bed-style accommodations. Members pay just $15 per night for bunks, and there is a great fireplace in the living room and an excellent ski tuning area in the basement.

The Lodge at Government Camp is under the same ownership as Timberline, and has a similar feel, but instead of rooms it has units for families or groups. Right in the middle of Government Camp, so you can walk over to Charlie's or the Rathskeller if the spirit moves you.

Mt. Hood Inn is just across the highway from Skibowl in Government Camp (which from this point forward shall be referred to as Govy). High-speed wireless and free breakfast are part of the package at this Best Western establishment.

Collins Lake Resort is a collection of condos in Govy under the same ownership as Skibowl. Great location, heated outdoor pool, and a shuttle bus provides convenient directly access to the slopes of Ski Bowl and Timberline. A short drive along Highway 35 to Meadows.

Grand Lodges is a more upscale collection of condos in Govy with equally convenient access to the slopes and many modern amenities.

Thunderhead Lodge was built in 1941 at the launching point for the historic gondola that once connected Govy with Timberline. The lodge was converted into condos in 1981. Units for rent have large fireplaces and access to a heated pool and a game room.

The Huckleberry Inn is a Government Camp institution, right in the heart of town. It offers both deluxe rooms and affordable dorm-style accommodations.

Cooper Spur is a resort owned by Mt. Hood Meadows, a few miles off Highway 35 on the north side of Mount Hood. It has a selection of rooms, condos and cabins, with easy access to kid-friendly trails at Cooper Spur as well as discounted tickets for Meadows.

Highway 26 (Sandy, Brightwood, Welches, Zig Zag and Rhododendron)

Mt. Hood Vacation Rentals offers a variety of options on and near the mountain off of Highway 26, from condos and lodges in Govie to below-the-snow-line forest cabins from Sandy to Zig Zag. Prices vary widely; remember that posted prices do not include room taxes and cleaning fees.

The Resort at the Mountain in Welches is a short drive up to the slopes, an upscale resort on a golf course with heated pools, a new spa, discounted lift tickets and a free shuttle 12 miles up 26 to Skibowl.

Whispering Woods Resort in Welches is a collection of condo rentals near the golf courses of Resort at the Mountain. The resort's spa and restaurant are open to people renting condos - are the free shuttles? 12.2 miles to Skibowl.